Hydraulic anti-cavitation system

ABSTRACT

An anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment is provided. The anti-cavitation system includes at least one high pressure hydraulic pump, at least one secondary hydraulic pump, and a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump. The anti-cavitation system also includes at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic manifold, a control module, and at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator, and also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to hydraulic pressure systems, andmore particularly to an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic pressuresystems in hydraulic equipment.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention recited in the claims. The description herein may includeconcepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that havebeen previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwiseindicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art tothe description and claims in this application and is not admitted to beprior art by inclusion in this section.

Hydraulic shovels are powered by hydraulic pressure systems. In thesesystems, hydraulic fluid is transmitted throughout the machine tovarious hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders, sending power to themachine's components as necessary. When a hydraulic shovel is digging,the shovel dipper receives power while the boom and stick may remainunpowered. Even without power, the boom and stick may move slightly dueto the force of the digging. This movement may compress the fluid on thehead side of the hydraulic cylinders controlling the boom or the stick.The compressed fluid on the head side of the cylinders may lead to fluidcavitation on the rod side of the cylinder. Cavitation within ahydraulic system can cause unwanted noise, damage to the hydrauliccomponents, vibrations, and a loss of efficiency.

In order to prevent cavitation, hydraulic fluid may be supplied to thecylinders not in use. Conventional anti-cavitation devices typically areconfigured to constantly feed fluid to the manifolds and hydraulic linesthat are not being used. However, this constant fluid flow often createsback pressure in the hydraulic tank lines. The back pressure reduces thepositive flow of the hydraulic fluid, which decreases the effectivehydraulic pressure. The pressure output must then be increased in orderto create the appropriate amount of digging power, reducing the overallefficiency of the shovel.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an anti-cavitationsystem for hydraulic equipment. The anti-cavitation system includes atleast one high pressure hydraulic pump configured to supply highpressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold, and at least onesecondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulatorwith hydraulic fluid. The anti-cavitation system also includes a motorconfigured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump, and atleast one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump.The accumulator is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from thesecondary hydraulic pump, and to send hydraulic fluid to ananti-cavitation manifold.

In this embodiment, the anti-cavitation system also includes at leastone hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulicpump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from ananti-cavitation manifold, and a control module configured to transmit anelectronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold. Further, theanti-cavitation system includes at least one anti-cavitation manifoldfluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receivepressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein theanti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least onehydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method forproviding an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment. The methodincludes providing at least one high pressure hydraulic pump configuredto supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold, andproviding at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge atleast one accumulator with hydraulic fluid. The method also includesproviding a motor configured to transmit power to the secondaryhydraulic pump, and providing at least one accumulator fluidly connectedto the secondary hydraulic pump. The accumulator is configured toreceive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, and to sendhydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitation manifold.

In this embodiment, the method also includes providing at least onehydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulicpump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from ananti-cavitation manifold, and providing a control module configured totransmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold. Further,the method includes providing at least one anti-cavitation manifoldfluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receivepressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein theanti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least onehydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a hydraulicsubassembly for a hydraulic anti-cavitation system. The hydraulicsubassembly includes at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured tocharge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid, and a motorconfigured to transmit power to the secondary hydraulic pump. Thehydraulic subassembly also includes at least one accumulator fluidlyconnected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured toreceive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, theaccumulator configured to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitationmanifold.

In this embodiment, the hydraulic subassembly also includes at least onehydraulic manifold configured to connect to a high pressure hydraulicpump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from ananti-cavitation manifold. Further, the hydraulic subassembly includes atleast one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least oneaccumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid fromat least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is alsofluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured totransfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a view of a hydraulic mining shovel, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a simplified drawing of the hydraulic anti-cavitation systemof the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the hydraulic anti-cavitationsystem of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a low-pressure secondary pump with motor,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fluid accumulator connected to ananti-cavitation manifold, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the attachment anti-cavitation manifoldshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a propel anti-cavitation manifold,according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1, a hydraulic mining shovel is shown. The hydraulicmining shovel 10 is typical of the type of hydraulic equipment that willutilize the hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20 (shown in FIG. 2) of thepresent embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified drawing of the hydraulicanti-cavitation system of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. The hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20includes a low-pressure secondary pump 30. In exemplary embodiments, thesecondary pump 30 includes a motor (shown as part of the secondary pump30 in FIG. 4) that powers the secondary pump 30. In other embodiments,the motor may be a separate component that is coupled to the secondarypump 30.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the secondary pump 30 isfluidly connected to an accumulator 40. In this embodiment, thehydraulic anti-cavitation system 20 includes a single accumulator 40,but in other exemplary embodiments the system 20 may include more thanone accumulator 40 if more fluid flow is required within the system 20.The secondary pump 30 may be fluidly connected to more than oneaccumulator 40, and is configured to charge an accumulator 40 by feedingpressurized hydraulic fluid into the accumulator 40. The accumulator 40receives pressurized fluid from the secondary pump 30 and discharges thefluid into the anti-cavitation manifold 50 in exemplary embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the accumulator 40 is fluidlyconnected to a single attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50, which isconfigured to send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least oneattachment manifold 80 (e.g., boom manifold, stick manifold, drivemanifold, etc.). However, in other exemplary embodiments, theaccumulator 40 may be fluidly connected to more than one anti-cavitationmanifold, including a propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 (shown in FIG.7). In these embodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 willreceive fluid from the accumulator 40, and will transfer the pressurizedhydraulic fluid to the system 20's propel manifolds 85.

In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation manifolds 50 and 70 areelectronically connected to a control module 60. In these embodiments,the anti-cavitation manifolds 50 and 70 are configured to dischargepressurized fluid into a hydraulic manifold (shown as 80 in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 2) when the manifolds 50 and 70 receivean electronic signal 64 from the control module 60. The control module60 may be configured to transmit the signal 64 to the anti-cavitationmanifolds 50 and 70 when cavitation conditions are present within thesystem 20, as indicated by a signal 62 that may be initiated fromsuitable pressure sensors or the like. The control module 60 may also beconfigured to transmit the signal 64 to the manifolds 50 and 70 when themain pump 90 is not supplying fluid to the particular hydraulic manifold80, or when otherwise suitable for the application. The pressurizedfluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation within the hydraulicanti-cavitation system 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of a portion of the anti-cavitationsystem of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 3, the anti-cavitation system 20 includes the main accumulator40 and a secondary accumulator 45. The anti-cavitation system 20includes at least one accumulator 40, but may also include a secondaryaccumulator 45 when additional hydraulic fluid flow is required or whenotherwise suitable for the application. The low-pressure secondary pump30 (not shown in FIG. 3) is fluidly connected to the accumulators 40 and45, and discharges pressurized fluid into the accumulators 40 and 45.Both accumulators 40 and 45 are also fluidly attached to the attachmentanti-cavitation manifold 50 (shown in FIG. 5), and are configured todischarge hydraulic fluid into the attachment anti-cavitation manifold50 as necessary for the application. The secondary accumulator 45provides additional hydraulic fluid flow to the anti-cavitation manifold50 in exemplary embodiments.

In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation manifold 50 receives asignal 64 from the control module 60 when cavitation conditions arepresent within the attachment manifold 80 for the portions of thehydraulic system that are not being operated (e.g. boom, stick, etc.).Upon receiving the signal 64 from the control module 60, theanti-cavitation manifold 50 may send pressurized fluid to the attachmentmanifold 80. The anti-cavitation manifold 50 has at least one hydraulicport 32, through which it discharges the pressurized hydraulic fluid. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the attachment anti-cavitationmanifold 50 includes four hydraulic ports 32, but the manifold 50 mayinclude any number of ports 32 suitable for the particular application.Hydraulic lines 35 are connected to each of the hydraulic ports 32, andthe lines 35 transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid out into an attachmentmanifold 80. The pressurized fluid is intended to prevent cavitationfrom occurring within the attachment manifold 80.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a secondary pump and motor are shown. Inexemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 includes alow-pressure secondary pump 30. The pump 30 is powered by the motor(shown as attached to the pump 30 in this embodiment). The pump 30 runscontinuously in this embodiment. However, the pump 30 may also becontrolled by the control module 60 to run as needed in otherembodiments, as may be determined in response to a signal 67 or othersuitable signal such as a pressure signal 66 from the accumulator 40.The low-pressure secondary pump 30 is fluidly connected to at least oneaccumulator 40 (shown in FIG. 3) and charges the accumulator 40 withhydraulic fluid. In exemplary embodiments, when the accumulators 40 and45 are full, the pump 30 returns oil back to the hydraulic tank 100(shown in FIG. 2).

In exemplary embodiments, the secondary pump 30 provides hydraulic fluidwith a pressure of approximately 16 bar, as opposed to the main pumps 90within the system 20, which provide fluid with a much higher pressure ofapproximately 300 bar. The secondary pump 30 provides fluid to theanti-cavitation manifold 50 through the accumulator 40. When fluid isnot being supplied to a manifold 80 by the main pump 90, the controlmodule 60 sends a signal 64 to the anti-cavitation manifold 50 totransfer the fluid into the manifold 80 to prevent or reduce cavitation,in exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the control module 60 may provideappropriate signals or instructions to pressurize an applicableattachment manifold 80 (or other component) when the attachment manifold80 is not being operated (e.g. when not receiving fluid from main pumps90), and/or provide signals on an actual or anticipatory basis asdetermined by pressure or other applicable signals 62 from theapplicable attachment or its associated portion of the hydraulic system.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an isolated view of the main accumulator 40,the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50, and the secondaryaccumulator 45 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In thisembodiment, the accumulator 40 has two ends, with a first end fluidlyconnected to the low-pressure secondary pump 30 (not shown in FIG. 5),and a second end fluidly connected to an anti-cavitation manifold 50.The accumulator 40 receives hydraulic fluid from the secondary pump 30and is “charged” by storing the pressurized fluid.

In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 also includes asecondary accumulator 45. Like the accumulator 40, the secondaryaccumulator 45 has two ends, with a first end fluidly connected to thelow-pressure secondary pump 30, and a second end fluidly connected tothe anti-cavitation manifold 50. The secondary accumulator 45 alsoreceives hydraulic fluid from the secondary pump 30 and is charged bystoring the pressurized fluid. The secondary accumulator 45 operates asa backup to the accumulator 45 in certain exemplary embodiments. Inthese embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 requires more fluidflow than can be provided by the accumulator 40.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the accumulators 40 and 45deliver a supply source of pressurized fluid to the anti-cavitationmanifold 50, to be sent to a hydraulic manifold 80 (shown in FIG. 2). Inother embodiments, the accumulators 40 and 45 may discharge fluid intomore than one anti-cavitation manifold 50 or 70 if it is suitable forthe particular application.

In FIG. 5, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 is shown fluidlyconnected to the accumulators 40 and 45. The anti-cavitation manifold 50receives a supply of the pressurized fluid from the accumulators 40 and45. The anti-cavitation manifold 50 is configured to receive a signal 64from the control module 60 when pressurized fluid is needed at theattachment to prevent cavitation, and in response to the signal 64, sendpressurized hydraulic fluid to an attachment manifold 80 (shown in FIG.2). The anti-cavitation manifold 50 has four ports 32 in the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 5. Fluid is sent out through the ports 32 (e.g. viaappropriate valves 52 within the manifold 50 that actuate in response tosignals 64), into hydraulic lines 35 (shown in FIG. 3), and out to theattachment manifolds 80 as needed. The pressurized fluid is intended toreduce the potential for cavitation within the attachment manifolds 80by maintaining a predetermined minimum hydraulic pressure at theattachment.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, theanti-cavitation manifold 50 has three ports 32, which are eachconfigured to connect to a hydraulic fluid line 35. The ports 32 sendpressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold 80within the anti-cavitation system 20. The attachment anti-cavitationmanifold 50 sends pressurized fluid when the manifold 50 receives asignal 64 from the control module 60. The signal 64 is sent whenconditions arise within the system 20 that are indicative of thepotential for hydraulic cavitation. The pressurized fluid is intended toreduce or prevent cavitation within the system 20. According to oneembodiment, the control module 60 receives signals 62 representative ofa cavitation condition from suitable instruments such as pressuresensors or transducers that are operably associated with the hydraulicsystem at or near the applicable attachment manifolds.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The propel anti-cavitationmanifold 70 serves a function similar to the attachment anti-cavitationmanifold 50 within the anti-cavitation system 20. In exemplaryembodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is included in theanti-cavitation system 20 in order to fluidly connect to hydraulicmanifolds that are not located near the attachment anti-cavitationmanifold 50, and may be difficult to fluidly connect to the attachmentanti-cavitation manifold 50. In these embodiments, the propelanti-cavitation manifold 70 is supplemental to the attachmentanti-cavitation manifold 50 and is fluidly connected to one or morepropel manifolds 85. However, in other embodiments, the attachmentanti-cavitation manifolds 50 may be fluidly connected to the propelmanifolds 85, and may be the sole supply source of hydraulic fluid tothe propel manifolds 85, depending on the application.

The propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 receives pressurized fluid froman accumulator 40 or 45. The propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 iselectronically connected to the control module 60, which sends a signal68 to the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 when cavitation conditionsare detected within one or more manifolds or operating attachments thatare receiving hydraulic fluid from the main pumps 90. In exemplaryembodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is fluidly connectedto at least one propel manifold 85.

Upon receiving the signal from the control module 60, theanti-cavitation manifold 70 discharges pressurized hydraulic fluid intoattached hydraulic lines 35, which transfer the fluid to a propelmanifold 85 as necessary. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce orprevent cavitation within the manifold 85.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations areintended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe systems and methods for providing the hydraulic anti-cavitationsystem as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrativeonly. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process ormethod steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thevarious exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of thepresent inventions.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed anti-cavitation system may be utilized within anyhydraulic equipment, including but not limited to mining equipment suchas hydraulic mining shovels. The disclosed anti-cavitation system isintended to detect cavitation conditions within a hydraulic system, andto reduce or prevent cavitation within the hydraulic system when theconditions occur.

Within a hydraulic system, fluid may be subjected to changes inpressure. For instance, the force of digging in a hydraulic shovel maycompress oil on one side of a hydraulic cylinder, resulting incavitation of oil on the other side of the cylinder. Cavitation can be asignificant cause of wear within a hydraulic system and can reduce theefficiency of the equipment. The anti-cavitation system of the presentembodiment is intended to detect cavitation conditions within ahydraulic system, and respond to those conditions by dischargingpressurized hydraulic fluid into the areas where cavitation may occur.The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation withinthe system.

Conventional anti-cavitation systems typically continuously providefluid to unused hydraulic manifolds, which can create back pressure inthe hydraulic lines, and reduce the efficiency of the hydraulic circuit.The anti-cavitation system of the present embodiment is intended toselectively provide fluid to the unused manifolds when cavitationconditions are present, thereby reducing back pressure in the lines andincreasing the efficiency of the hydraulic equipment. Also, theanti-cavitation system of the present embodiment utilizes a small,low-pressure pump to supply pressurized fluid, which uses less energythan a typical anti-cavitation system, further increasing the efficiencyof the system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the disclosed hydraulicanti-cavitation system. Other embodiments will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the disclosed hydraulic anti-cavitation system. It is intended thatthe specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with atrue scope being indicated by the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-cavitation system for hydraulicequipment, comprising: at least one high pressure hydraulic pumpconfigured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulicmanifold; at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge atleast one accumulator with hydraulic fluid; a motor configured toprovide power to the secondary hydraulic pump; at least one accumulatorfluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulatorconfigured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump,the accumulator configured to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitationmanifold; at least one hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the highpressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulicfluid from an anti-cavitation manifold; a control module configured totransmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold; at leastone anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least oneaccumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid fromat least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is alsofluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured totransfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.2. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneanti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one hydraulic manifold only when the control moduletransmits the electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold.
 3. Theanti-cavitation system of claim 2, wherein the control module isconfigured to detect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system,and to transmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions aredetected.
 4. The anti-cavitation system of claim 2, wherein the controlmodule is configured to transmit the electronic signal when the highpressure hydraulic pump is not supplying high pressure hydraulic fluidto the hydraulic manifold.
 5. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1,wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is coupled to the motor.
 6. Theanti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the secondary hydraulic pumpis configured to discharge fluid at a pressure of less thanapproximately 16 bar.
 7. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, whereinthe high pressure hydraulic pump is configured to discharge fluid at apressure of at least approximately 300 bar.
 8. The anti-cavitationsystem of claim 2, further comprising a first anti-cavitation manifoldfluidly connected to at least one attachment hydraulic manifold, and asecond anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one propelhydraulic manifold.
 9. The anti-cavitation system of claim 8, whereinthe first anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurizedhydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold, and the secondanti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.
 10. The anti-cavitationsystem of claim 1, further comprising at least two accumulators fluidlyconnected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulators configuredto send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one anti-cavitationmanifold.
 11. A method for providing an anti-cavitation system forhydraulic equipment, comprising: providing at least one high pressurehydraulic pump configured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to ahydraulic manifold; providing at least one secondary hydraulic pumpconfigured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid;providing a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulicpump; providing at least one accumulator fluidly connected to thesecondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to receivehydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump; providing at leastone hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulicpump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from ananti-cavitation manifold; providing a control module configured totransmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold; providingat least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least oneaccumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid fromat least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is alsofluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured totransfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the control module is configured todetect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system, and totransmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions are detected.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the control module is configured todetect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system, and totransmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions are detected.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the control module is configured totransmit the electronic signal when the high pressure hydraulic pump isnot supplying high pressure hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic manifold.15. A hydraulic subassembly for a hydraulic anti-cavitation system,comprising: at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to chargeat least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid; a motor configured toprovide power to the secondary hydraulic pump; at least one accumulatorfluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulatorconfigured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump,the accumulator configured to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitationmanifold; at least one hydraulic manifold configured to connect to ahigh pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurizedhydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold; at least oneanti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulatorand configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least oneaccumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidlyconnected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transferpressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.
 16. Thehydraulic subassembly of claim 15, wherein the secondary hydraulic pumpis coupled to the motor.
 17. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15,wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is configured to dischargehydraulic fluid at a pressure of less than approximately 16 bar.
 18. Thehydraulic subassembly of claim 15, further comprising at least twoaccumulators fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, theaccumulators configured to send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at leastone anti-cavitation manifold.
 19. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15,further comprising a first anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected toat least one attachment hydraulic manifold, and a second anti-cavitationmanifold fluidly connected to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.20. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 19, wherein the firstanti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one attachment manifold, and the secondanti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulicfluid to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.